Volkswagen Passat Center (Drag) Link Replacement Costs

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Passat Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $288 with $193 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2003 Volkswagen PassatV6-2.8L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$559.29	Shop/Dealer Price$670.99 - $972.34
1993 Volkswagen PassatV6-2.8L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$529.29	Shop/Dealer Price$641.01 - $942.39
2012 Volkswagen PassatL5-2.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.84 - $1257.30
2008 Volkswagen PassatV6-3.6L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.80 - $1257.24
1993 Volkswagen PassatL4-1.9L Diesel	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$685.77	Shop/Dealer Price$836.64 - $1255.38
2013 Volkswagen PassatL5-2.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.84 - $1257.30
2002 Volkswagen PassatV6-2.8L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$536.79	Shop/Dealer Price$648.31 - $949.52
2016 Volkswagen PassatL4-1.8L Turbo	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$694.25	Shop/Dealer Price$845.69 - $1265.42

Show example Volkswagen Passat Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
The defective center drag link is removed
The new center drag link is installed
The vehicle is removed from jack stands
The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

Vibration while driving
Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Rodric

14 years of experience

414 reviews

Rodric

14 years of experience

by Frank

Volkswagen Passat L4-1.8L Turbo - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Fairburn, Georgia

great

Pardeep

21 years of experience

1078 reviews

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Pardeep

21 years of experience

Request Pardeep

by mark

Volkswagen Passat L4-2.0L Turbo - Spark Plugs - San Jose, California

Arrive on time, and very efficient ( take 15 minutes only) to replace 4 spark plugs. But the price is kind of expensive ( paid $160+) for only replacing the spark plugs.

Steven

21 years of experience

200 reviews

Steven

21 years of experience

by Cynthia

Volkswagen Passat L4-2.0L Turbo - Oil/Fluid Leak - Irving, Texas

Steven traced a pesky oil leak & gave a sound recommendation. We spent a lot at a reputable shop to track & fix without resolution. Steven gives 100% to each client & we appreciate his knowledgeable professionalism.

Rodric

14 years of experience

414 reviews

Rodric

14 years of experience

by Huellen

Volkswagen Passat L4-2.0L Turbo - Brake Pads Replacement (Rear) - Atlanta, Georgia

Rodric always does an excellent job. I am impressed by the clear way that he explains the repairs needed and how thorough he is in completing the repairs..

Excellent Rating

(872)

Rating Summary

825

22

5

4

16

825

22

5

4

16

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